Description

One can easily imagine how Rattlesnake Fire Tower got its name. It was built in 1933 on a rocky ridge in Pennsylvania’s Moshannon State Forest. The 80’ steel tower with 7’x7’ metal cab is strategically located and remains in active service.

Map

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Photos

Photo courtesy of Jack Kelley

Visit Reports

Condition

Needs paint?

No

Shutters OK?

Yes

Condition of wood OK?

Yes

Stairs OK?

Yes

Glass intact?

Yes

Good condition?

Yes

Comments:

The tower and adjacent observer's cabin are in good condition, although the windows in the cabin may need repairs. The only thing of note about this tower is that, for some unknown reason, the landings have been expanded to be larger than normal, creating a large safety hazard in the form of very large gaps in the railings. Why the landings were expanded is beyond me, but there's no chicken wire covering the holes in the railings, creating chest-height, opened gaps that someone could easily fall through.